Hitchswitch-Blog

Category: Marriage

  • How To: Rock your In-Laws’ First Visit

    How To: Rock your In-Laws’ First Visit

    Let’s face it: no matter the circumstance, family dynamics can be awkward. You’ve lived this long trying to figure out your own friggin’ family and now that you’re married, you’ve got an entire new round-up of relatives to decode! (Good luck.) Lucky for you, we have some tips to make this process a little bit smoother.

    Be a Little Extra

    Showing that you care by exerting real effort to make your new family comfortable is as endearing as it gets. Go the extra mile by stocking their room with fresh towels, a small flower arrangement and some reading material. Are homemade cookies too much? We think not.

    Know When To Serve (Or Curb)

    A little libation will loosen anyone up, and there’s nothing wrong with poppin’ a little bubbly when the family gets together. Plus, what a perfect excuse to show off your champagne flutes from Aunt Joanne and your baller ice bucket from Cousin Richard.

    If your in-laws practically invented the Tom Collins, then maybe just pretend to have run out of the sauce after the first bottle is finished.

    Plan a (Flexible) Activity

    Plan an activity for the family to enjoy together. If they’re particularly active, try a family bike ride, a round of golf, or take a walking tour around your town. If they’re homebodies, try a family game night featuring Pictionary or Scrabble. Keep it flexible (date, time and actual level of activity) to avoid a potentially stressful schedule.

    Find Common Ground

    Start small by talking about a dish you love to cook (or eat), an activity most everyone enjoys (like taking a walk or traveling to the beach), or a fond family memory. If they’re being especially difficult and giving you short answers, you can combat the coldness by following up with, “And why is that?” or “What about you?” Even the little brother co-ed who appears to be majoring in eye rolls and Tolstoy will open up once you’ve created a foundation with him.

    Good-Hearted Ribbing

    Families love to tease each other. Shared laughter creates a bond, so it’s smart to join in on the fun. As long as it stays light-hearted, making fun of your sister-in-law’s high school Emo phase or father-in-law’s 60s fumanchu is a great way to engage the natives.

    Turn to TV

    It may be rude to watch television when you have guests, but it’s not rude to talk about how awesome television is with guests. Everyone can bond over a mutual love of Game of Thrones (what is happening with that ice dragon!?) or Mad Men and you can learn more about their interests and the entertainment they value.

    Get a Buffer

    Everyone has that one black sheep in the family. And that person is usually awesome. If all else fails, invite that person and let them save you. They’re likely much better at navigating the rough waters and can bring you up to speed on who to sit next to and who to avoid at the family gatherings.

  • Celeb Couples Who Are Totally Nailing this Marriage Thing

    Celeb Couples Who Are Totally Nailing this Marriage Thing

    From fashion and beauty tips, to the latest dreaded diet that you’ll never actually follow, celebrities give us a ton of reasons to swoon over their rich and famous lifestyles. Unfortunately when it comes to luck in love, Hollywood’s divorce rate is higher than Sofia Vergara’s wedding cake.

    Celebrities aren’t often known for things like commitment, loyalty, and growing old together (or growing old at all). Some unions expire sooner than a gallon of organic milk (we’re looking at you KKW and Britney). While celeb breakups are always big news, we never want to see these names in the headlines about splitting:

    John Krasinski and Emily Blunt

    When they’re not collaborating on this month’s highly anticipated post-apocalyptic thriller, these two are busy basking in each others awesomeness and showering one other in mildly sickening, majorly adorable admiration. Not only does John Krasinski go all Fanboy, over The Devil Wears Prada (let’s be real, who doesn’t), the actor admits that the first time he heard his wife sing, he “immediately started weeping.” And now we’re crying too. JUST. STOP. ALREADY.

    The parents of two daughters, Hazel and Violet have basically defied gravity by placing their marriage before Hollywood and fame. How, you ask? The couple literally doesn’t talk about their celebrity status. We thought we loved Jim and Pam, but honestly, John and Emily seem to be the perfect pair.

    Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell

    Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell have been serving up #MarriageGoals since their 2013 wedding which cost the mega-famous couple a whopping $142. While many Hollywood couples present their marriages as easy, perfect and without complaints, Dax and Kristen are not about that life.

    When they’re not blessing the rains down in Africa, they are dropping truth bombs about their marriage, conflict resolution and what keeps their sweet chemistry alive. And if you haven’t already, you should listen to Dax’s interview with her on his podcast Armchair Expert.

    Victoria and David Beckham

    Before William + Kate or Harry + Meghan, Britain gave us Posh + Becks! Fortunately for the stylish Spice Girl, her shoe selection did not stop him from falling hard when they first met more than 20 year ago. Though they’d both already found fame, it turns out that they grew up just 15 minutes away from one another (destiny). She has become a pop star turned fashion icon and he has become a household name in football (erm, soccer), but these two have managed to stay strong–and both have totally mastered that steely model look.

    Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka

    If you have never seen their elaborate family Halloween costumes, we’ll give you a second to google. Great. Now that you’re back, you’ve seen for yourself how much fun this couple likes to have!  

    These two have been together since 2004 and once gay marriage was legalized, they revealed that they had, in fact, been engaged for five years and were waiting for the announcement to make it publicly official. BRB; gotta go die of cuteness overload.

    Now, the fun-loving parents of 7-year-old-twins, Harper Grace and Gideon Scott, are committed to being the cool dads, but something tells us they won’t have to try too hard.

    Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds

    You didn’t think we’d miss the King and Queen of Trolling, did you?! These two have developed quite the reputation for poking fun at each other on social media and, honestly, we can’t get enough. When a publication recently said the two were headed for a split, Ryan tweeted, “I wish. I could really use some ‘me time.’” We already knew Van Wilder was funny, but Blake’s got jokes too. She replied to a recent quip with, “Ever since Ashley Madison closed I’ve been so lonely.” Savage.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Will and Jada Pinkett Smith

    Will and Jada Pinkett Smith have been serving up wit for nearly a year until Jada finally agreed to date. Pause while we all swoon over the days when dudes actually had patience.

    Twenty years in, the couple is still known for their hustle, but seem to have that work/life balance grind all figured out. Who else thinks there should be an Academy Award for that? The pair have also produced two of young hollywood’s elite, Willow (who whips her hair back and forth) and Jaden (aka Karate Kid). And while Will may have learned that sometimes parents just do understand, when it comes to marriage Will and Jada have a reputation of being… progressive. In a 2005 interview, Will alluded to their open marriage, sharing that married couples have to find “what works for you.” This is a judgement-free zone. We say you do you, boo.

    Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell

    OK, OK. We know they’re not married, but this OG couple exemplifies what strong unions are about. They’ve been together 35+ years and in Hollywood, that’s no small feat. We love that Goldie’s kids know Kurt as “Dad” even though he’s not their biological father. Also, if you follow Kate Hudson on Instagram, you’ve seen some of their seriously cute family moments, including a choreographed Dance Wars challenge.

    Did we leave your favorite celeb couple out? Tell us about it in the comments below!

     

  • What To Do In The First Two Months After Your Honeymoon

    What To Do In The First Two Months After Your Honeymoon

    Now that you’re married, you feel like a real adult (at least on days you’re not hungover). But even if you’re not ready to discuss tax rates with Uncle Ron over whiskey sours at The Club, here are a few easy-to-do, post-wedding tasks that will make you feel accomplished and yes, like you’re rocking this whole adult thing:

    Thank You Notes

    Don’t put off this task. Repeat: do not put off this task. You’ll thank us later when you don’t have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome from writing sixty seven notes in a row. After all, do you want to keep Grandma Sue waiting after she bought you that amazing Le Creuset dutch oven that would make even Julia Child envious?

    If you’re in need of some inspiration (or advice on how to clean up a thank you faux pas), check out our guide to thank you note etiquette.

    Change your Name

    Most people would rather have their molars pulled than sift through mountains of paperwork. If the thought of changing your name makes you break out into a sweat you haven’t experienced since Finals Week, say the next word with us aloud: HitchSwitch. HitchSwitch is a service that streamlines the maddening steps for you to change your name. See? Painless! And you still have all your teeth.

    Reserve your New Email Address or Social Handle

    If you’re changing your name, it’s a good idea to try to grab a new Gmail address (and  Instagram name) while it’s still available. Unlike your AIM screen name (we see you, CuTiEkRiS86), keep it career-friendly. Remember to sync your new email address with your old so that all future emails sent to your old address will automatically be forwarded to your new account. . It’s also a good time to give them a new physical address if you’ve got one!

    Add your Name to the Bills

    Nothing will make you more angry than the Internet going out right in the middle of your Stranger Things binge. But if your spouse isn’t home and your internet service provider doesn’t have your name on the account, you could be stuck having to watch–gasp–live TV. If you’ve moved in together post-nuptials, it’s time to put your name on the utilities and other bills. It’s not just so you can share financial responsibility (blah, blah, blah, adulting), but so you can also call for service repair without the dreaded “you’re not the account holder” response.

    Organize your Gifts

    Large retailers like Macy’s or Nordstrom have this registry business down to a science, but sometimes you can end up with multiples of the same gifts (sorry, but I really don’t need three Keurigs). You may also end up with some off-the-registry gems that you really can’t use. In this case, it’s time to exchange and return. Additionally, there may be some items you simply can’t live without that weren’t purchased. In that case, it’s time to scoop them up before they’re gone!

    Pro tip: If you qualify, Amazon will offer a discount for purchasing your remaining registry items.

    Delete your Wedding Website

    Wedding websites will often expire after a year, but sometimes, they may be on auto-renewal (especially if you purchased a unique domain). Don’t incur unnecessary expenses; go ahead and delete it while it’s fresh in your mind (and before you’ve forgotten the password).

    Preserve your Wedding Dress

    Your wedding dress is probably your favorite piece of clothing you’ve ever worn. You should probably treat it better than the hand knit, dancing penguin sweater your mom gave you last Christmas that’s still wadded up in the back of your closet. Get it professionally cleaned, treated and stored in a safe spot.

    Here’s actual footage of you once you’ve completed this list:

    Now it’s time to Google how the hell to use a dutch oven.

  • How to Deal With Post-Wedding Blues (Yes, it’s a Real Thing)

    How to Deal With Post-Wedding Blues (Yes, it’s a Real Thing)

    From dress shopping, to food tasting, to your bachelorette party and finally the main event, your wedding year was basically the best effin’ time of your life. But now it’s all over and no matter how many times you see a “the best is yet to come” meme on Instagram, you can’t help but feel the dreaded let down. There’s no shame in your game, girl. We get it. Post-wedding blues are more common than many women would like to admit. Over the past year or so, you’ve had event after event, all leading up to a wildly successful wedding, concluding with a racy and romantic honeymoon. Great. Thanks for the memories, but now WTF are you supposed to do with all this free time?

    Fear not, my sullen sister. There’s no need to feel like Carrie Bradshaw on her Mexican honeymoon after Mr. Big leaves her at the altar. We’ve got some ideas that will kickstart your newly-married mentality and get you back to feeling like your old self (just with a new last name).

    Find a New Obsession

    Regardless of how long you gave yourself to plan a wedding, however big or small, or even if you hired a planner like every other resident of “Bride Country,” you spent endless hours a week working on your wedding. Now you’re bored AF, so it’s time to fill that void with something that gives your tender heart something to look forward to.

    Want to impress the in-laws by Thanksgiving? Start experimenting in the kitchen or take a couple of cooking classes that’ll blow their ever-judging-loving minds when they bite into a Julia Child’s inspired Stuffed Turkey with Farce Pitchounaise.

    Perhaps you want to graduate from being Trader Joe’s most loyal “Three Buck Chuck” enthusiast. A wine class will have you feeling good in more ways than one.

    Still daydreaming about your wedding bouquet? Fancy yourself a florist after a few flower arrangement classes. At minimum, you’ll have the skills and confidence to make centerpieces for your next dinner party or holiday get together.

    When in doubt, work it out! You worked hard for that bridal body, so let’s keep putting in the work to keep it for good. But instead of going back to your old routine,why not try something new that you can get hooked on like Pilates, Power Yoga or weightlifting?

    Relive the Big Day

    “It goes by so quickly” is the most cliche yet accurate statement that everyone and their mother warns you about. Fortunately, between friends’ & family’s pictures on social media, your photographer’s shots, and (if you’re lucky enough to have a videographer) your wedding video, you can relive your big day as often as you’d like.
    Give yourself time to remember what was happening in each photo and appreciate how much fun you were having. Also, don’t forget to appreciate how effing gorgeous you looked. Now’s not the time to be modest.

    Fill up all those new frames with your favorite photos from your magical weekend. Just keep in mind that you’ll eventually have guests visit so be sure to showcase the VIPs. Also, spare yourself the embarrassment of being “one of those couples” that has 20 pictures of only you and your husband from your wedding day.

    Find a website to DIY your own wedding album. They’re a fraction of the price and with the right company, they look pretty damn good. Want bonus points from the fam? Make an album for your parents, in-laws and grandparents.

    Invest in Your Relationships

    Like it or not, the year of you is over. It’s harsh, and it hits you as fast as JWOWW backhanding The Situation on Jersey Shore. While it may be a tough pill to swallow that you’re no longer being treated like royalty, the best thing you can do is step into the present and reconnect with your family and friends. If other people in your life are wedding planning or preparing to have a baby, throw yourself into planning for them! They were committed to your events and parties; now’s a great time to return the favor and shower them with attention.

    One of the best parts about weddings is all the events surrounding them, and when they’re done, it’s sucks for everyone. Since you’re basically a professional planner at this point, get some stuff on the calendar!
    Start a dinner club with your bridesmaids.

    Make future plans with your out-of-town family.

    Invite your local girlfriends to join you for that new wine class. Or who are we kidding, just invite them over for wine and Bachelor in Paradise on your couch.

    Focus on Your Marriage

    You’re married now, so go be married! The wedding was about the marriage, after all (OK, we’ll admit that a lot of it was about the dress, too). Invest in creating new married memories with your spouse. Enjoy your newly committed companionship by spending quality time together whether that is a Netflix marathon, practicing making a baby, or cooking together at home. When you’re feeling down, look over to your awesome spouse for a quick reminder that you’re pretty damn lucky!

  • What our Favorite TV Couples Have Taught Us about Marriage

    What our Favorite TV Couples Have Taught Us about Marriage

    You know that feeling when you’re Netflix & chilling and suddenly you realize that one of your favorite small screen couples is totally you and your spouse? You’re definitely not alone. It’s basically a sitcom’s job to give us relatable martial role models living out real-life scenarios mixed with a perfect portion of comedy, drama, and sometimes all-too-real sorrow (we’re looking at you, This is Us).

    So move over, Gary Chapman; while we’ll we respect your love languages, these TV couples have taught us basically everything we need to know about how to navigate marriage.

    Red and Kitty Forman: Snark can be a love language.

    There’s no question that Red and Kitty are a decidedly devoted duo, but we’re not here to talk about the warm and fuzzies. The best thing about this couple’s marriage is their shared love for sarcasm and snark. While the wit and banter is often aimed at their grown children, they also use it to keep each other in check. We all aim to be in relationships where finishing each other’s sentences and Red and Kitty can surely do that:

    Chandler and Monica Bing: Know when to grow up & when to stay silly.

    Just because you’re married doesn’t mean you have to forget all your silly shenanigans. We love Monica and Chandler because they’re both quirky individuals who love to have fun (even self-proclaimed control freak Monica has “The Routine”). There’s a time to grow up (like when Chandler is afraid of commitment) and there’s a time to be silly (like when it comes to cheering up your spouse by putting a turkey on your head). The best marriages find themselves with the perfect balance of silly and steadfast. We think Monica and Chandler nail it.

    Derek Shepherd & Meredith Grey: Sometimes, you don’t need all the wedding hoopla.

    Some people (not this writer) were upset when Derek and Meredith wrote their vows on a post-it note in the elevator of the hospital for their wedding. However, we love how non-traditional it was. It’s primetime television on a medical drama where the two main characters are finally getting together. They could’ve scripted the big wedding, but this moment was sweet and stayed true to the characters’ values. Sometimes, all the wedding hoopla just isn’t right for the couple and that’s okay!

    Cam and Mitchell Pritchett: Embrace your partner’s weirdness.

    Let’s get this out of the way first: if Cam and Mitchell aren’t your favorite couple on Modern Family, you’re wrong. They are an “opposites attract” match in the funniest way. Take, for example, Cam’s beloved clown act, Fizbo. Even though Mitchell gets a little embarrassed when Fizbo appears, he always ends up embracing his partner’s weirdness and accepts their personality differences, knowing that it makes them stronger as a couple. Each episode, these two teach us that if you can accept and celebrate your partner at their weirdest, you’re definitely in it for the long haul.

    Peggy Olson and Stan Rizzo: Challenge each other. Be friends first.

    Mad Men was rife with terrible relationships (especially if the man in that relationship was named Don), but there was one glimmer of hope in the series: Peggy and Stan. Everyone knew that they belonged together long before they realized it. Why? Because they were enemy colleagues, then supportive friends, then best friends who fought with–and for–each other. They’re not afraid to call each other out and not afraid to hurt each other’s feelings if it makes the other better. While we’re not suggesting your relationship won’t work unless you endured years of verbal sparring at a shared office, we love when marriages grow from friendships. Like Peggy and Stan, some couples realize they’ve grown up to be exactly who the other needs. Cue the awwwws.

     

  • Learning To Deal With Your Mother -in- Law

    Learning To Deal With Your Mother -in- Law

    You did it! You just survived your dream wedding with Mr. Perfect (who did, by the way, put a ring on it). But the honeymoon was short lived and reality has set in. While you might have married Mr. McDreamy, he is a package deal and you, in turn, married his mom, Mrs. McDreadful.

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    focus on the positive

    For those looking for some life hacks on how to stay calm even though you want to strangle your man’s mom, read on. As someone who has been there and lived it, I’m happy to share my advice, but I will be expecting one of those precious thank-you notes with your new monogram letter pressed on top after you are done with this.

    We only have so many rips to give in this life, so ration them carefully. Every annoying habit, each comment under her breath, and all the suggestions she passive aggressively makes are bound to set you off, making you want to click your Jimmy Choos three times to have her disappear. But honestly, Dorothy, if you let every behavior you deem inappropriate get you caught up in a twister, you will be seriously misusing some of your limited supply of mental energy. And, more importantly, will accomplish nothing.

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    Practice strategic apathy; reserve your energy for a small number of important things. If it helps, don’t think of it as apathy; think of it as focus. Focus on the positive: you married a great guy, so your mother-in-law must have done something right in child rearing. After all, he is the man you fell in love with.

    when not to be honest

    We have all heard the adage that the truth will set you free, but, there are certain situations where fortune cookie advice is just not applicable. Now I am not suggesting being Vice President of the dirty, pretty little liars club, but I am seriously endorsing you learn and practice the art form of when not to be honest.

    Honesty is nice in principle, but not everyone appreciates total, brutal honesty. Put on your Willy Wonka costume before directly confronting your MIL or unfriending her on FB, because you’re going to need to sugar coat and chocolate glaze the sh*t out of it. Telling the truth may help set people straight (and yourself free), but consider the consequences of your actions as well as the feelings of your husband and your MIL.

    Be your own guide

    Every day is an adventure; be your own tour guide, because this journey is not equipped with a GPS. You’re going to feel lost at times as you and your husband navigate your new roles and responsibilities of cohabiting and settling into the married life. It is normal and real and doesn’t make you an unequipped wife.

    It’s completely acceptable to kindly tell your MIL that you would share more of that journey with her if she would stop pushing her opinions on you guys. Tell her that you both are doing the best you can with the circumstances you are presented with. When you need to, breathe in light blue and breathe out navy. Don’t force your husband to choose sides. Let us not forget that, he chose you, but he didn’t get to choose his mother.

    be happy

    In the end, the relationship with your MIL isn’t about being right; it’s about being happy, so try not to engage in a power struggle. Drop the chip on your shoulder so that you can move on in a productive fashion and be a happy and mentally healthy version of yourself.

    PSA: Your new mom isn’t going anywhere. So dig deep and find little moments to get her involved in your life. Her involvement in your life is a privilege, not a right; however, you should do everything in your power to allow that privilege. Plus, let’s face it; you’re going to need a reliable babysitter eventually.

     

  • Six Ways to Preserve your Wedding Memories Forever

    Six Ways to Preserve your Wedding Memories Forever

    This is the official call for all the Leslie Knopes out there who love a little planning. And for those who don’t love planning, consider this to be the cure to any and all of your post-wedding blues. You just planned every detail of a wedding for a year and then every day of a week-long honeymoon. Now’s your chance to capture and relive some of those magical moments!

    The Dress

    This one’s easy: just drop it off and swipe your card! Get your wedding dress and veil preserved at a dry cleaners and store it in a safe, dry place. Be sure to read online reviews if you don’t already have a cleaner you trust. You don’t want to give it to just any old Mom & Pop.

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    The Ring

    If it’s been awhile since you cleaned your ring, yours is probably coated in lotion, self tanner, sweat, or brunch leftovers. Buy a ring cleaner on Amazon to keep it shiny every day and take it to the jewelry store every six months to get it serviced. Tip: most stores will also replace loose or missing diamonds, so be sure to cash in on that service too.

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    The Photos

    Store digital copies of your photos and video(s) or upload them to a hard drive in case your laptop from college finally burns out for good. In case you didn’t know, Amazon Prime and Google Photos also offer unlimited photo storage.

    Scrapbook wedding photos and frame your favorites for your home. Bonus: frame a few family shots and you’ve got great Christmas presents that are relatively inexpensive!

    The Invite

    Save, scrapbook or professionally frame your invitation or special RSVPs (think: your elderly relatives). They’ll be great keepsakes to pass down.

    The Flowers

    Dry your bouquet or press your flowers and boutonnieres, but only if you have a great place to store them. If this is going to take up precious space in your new home and your parents can’t offer a great storage spot, then simply keep the photos.

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    The License

    Your wedding license will inevitably be asked for a hundred times in the future–health insurance, name change and more. Put the original in a fire-proof safe and make a couple of copies to be safe.

    Now you can be assured that all of your memories are safe. Go relax; you deserve it.

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  • Budget-Friendly Date Night Ideas

    Budget-Friendly Date Night Ideas

    The wedding set you back financially. Like, waaaay back. You’re grateful for the amazing memories, but you’re also staring down a long road paved with Ramen noodles and duct tape. All you want is to continue doing fun things together, however, there’s just one problem: the typical eye roll-inducing date nights always seem to come at a hefty price: the meal, the wine, the show, the Uber. What’s more, when you think of cheap ideas, all you come up with is finishing thank you notes over Mich Ultras.

    Put. the. stationery. down! We’ve got some budget-friendly date night ideas that will put the FUN in UNDERFUNDED.

    Go Karaoke

    There’s nothing that bonds two people like mutual fear. Put on your brave pants and go belt out a tune at a local watering hole. Even if you’re terrible, you’ll have tons of laughs. Bonus points for couples that sing duets like “Islands in the Stream” or “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.”

    Putt-putt or go-kart racing

    Bring out the inner child in you and your spouse with a little friendly competition. Try putt-putt golf or go-kart racing. Smack talk always encouraged.

    At-home blind wine tasting

    If you’re half of a wine-loving pair, try a blind wine tasting. Buy various cheap bottles and cover the labels. Pick your favorites and make bets on which is the most expensive. Bonus: you can serve your favorite bottles at your next get-together without breaking the bank.

    Thrifting

    If you’ve moved in or are looking for some special pieces for a specific room, go thrifting! Hit up some consignment or antique stores, as well as the local Salvation Army and look for one-of-a-kind finds. Bonus: offload your spouse’s wookie figurine collection under the guise of charity. What?! It’s two birds with one stone.

    Cook a meal together

    With meal delivery services like Hello Fresh and Blue Apron, there’s no stressful shopping, measuring or unused ingredients. Even the novice chef can execute a beautiful meal that Gordon Ramsay would approve. Plus, it’s a great bonding experience.

    Drop-in exercise class

    We know that being snuggled on the couch sounds better, but endorphins are a great way to connect. Try a community yoga class (sometimes they’re donation-only) or check out a fitness studio that offers the first class free before you have to commit.

    Netflix Roulette

    C’mon, you can’t really lose when watching Netflix anymore. Choose a category like “Recommended” or “Netflix Originals,” close your eyes and scroll. Whatever you land on is what you watch! Who knows, you may stumble upon your new favorite show. May the odds be ever in your favor.

    Volunteering together

    Like J.Lo’s love, volunteering don’t cost a thing. Sign up to do some manual labor like landscaping if it’s nice weather. If it’s colder, apply to volunteer at a children’s hospital, a political call center or animal shelter. Giving back will not only make a difference, but it will make you and your partner feel great.

  • Unconventional First Anniversary Gifts

    Unconventional First Anniversary Gifts

    Congrats! You’ve survived your first year of marriage. One year down and many more to go – that’s something to celebrate. Now the only question is what can you do that doesn’t involve spending time in a stuffy restaurant with tiny (but Instagrammable) courses. While we’d all love to be on a two week African safari, that’s not always realistic.

    Infuse some fun into your celebration each year with these unconventional gift ideas (and don’t worry, we’ll let you take all the credit):

    Forgot the “Gift”

    You just got a ton of gifts for your wedding (and the returns have finally finished). Instead of giving your partner something that will take up much-needed space, what about creating a memory together? Pick up concert tickets, get a little buzzed and dance the night away to your favorite band. Why not go to  your local museums and/or art galleries? Be a tourist in your own town! Have a shared love of spots? Splurge on courtside/ring-side/mid-field seats so good you can almost wipe the sweat of your favorite player’s brow.

    Create a Date Night Jar

    This jar is there to combat all the times you’ve both said, “I don’t know; what do you want to do?” For your anniversary, write down a bunch of corny and fun date night ideas and toss them all in a jar. When you’re not sure what to do, grab a piece of paper and do what the paper says. Some ideas might include: putt-putt golf, karaoke, wine tasting, visiting the place you first met, catching a local sports match, going bowling or having a 90s movie marathon. It’s truly the gift that keeps on giving all year. Bonus: it keeps the tradition of giving paper for the first anniversary gift!

    Learn Something New

    You’ve talked about venturing to Mexico, France, China, and a dozen other places for the longest time. Why not try to learn some new phrases in these languages? You can sign up for a local class that you and your spouse can attend or, for homebodies, purchase Rosetta Stone (plus, you can do it straight from the couch). Learning a new language is much easier when you have someone to practice with. The first phrase you might want to learn? “Let’s get out of here.” It’ll be super useful–from late night bar excursions to future family get-togethers.

    Relive The Big Day

    If you and your partner are the romantic types, there’s nothing better than reliving the day you said “I do.” Visit the physical place and have a picnic or, if that’s not an option, watch your wedding video, drink the same champagne you served at your reception, recreate the first dance and (if you believe in this tradition) enjoy some bites of your leftover, frozen cake. If just reading this is making you nauseated, you’ll love #5.

    Create a Tradition

    The last thing you want to do is make your anniversary feel like a chore. Creating an unfussy tradition could be the perfect answer (and saves you from scrambling to make a new plan each year). Maybe your anniversary tradition is hot wings and beer at your favorite watering hole, going for a hike, exchanging love letters or simply cooking a meal together. Whatever it is, create it together and make sure it’s something you can do no matter what stage of life you’re in (i.e. maybe not running a marathon for your 60th).